WO2025171102A1

WO2025171102A1 - Carrier for containers

Info

Publication number: WO2025171102A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/014747
Authority: WO
Inventors: Meng-Chuan Wu
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Current assignee: Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-06
Filing date: 2025-02-06
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-06

Abstract

A carrier for at least partially holding on or more articles. The carrier can have a top panel and a sidewall extending downwardly from the top panel. The top panel and the sidewall can extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The carrier can have a container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge, the cutout extending in the sidewall along at least a portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a lid of an article of the one or more articles and the retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel for engaging under a rim of the lid.

Description

CARRIER FOR CONTAINERS

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/550,088, filed on February 6, 2024.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/550,088, which was filed on February 6, 2024, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers for holding food and/or beverage containers or other types of articles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carrier for at least partially holding one or more articles. The carrier comprising a top panel and a plurality of sidewall panels extending downwardly from the top panel to form a sidewall. The top panel and the sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier. The one or more articles are for being at least partially inserted into the interior at least partially defined by the sidewall and the top panel. The carrier has a container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge. The cutout extending in the sidewall along at least a portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a lid of an article of the one or more articles. The retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel for engaging under a rim of the lid when the one or more articles are inserted into the interior of the carrier at least partially formed by the sidewall and the top panel of the carrier.

[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package comprising a carrier at least partially holding one or more articles.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding one or more articles. The blank comprises a top panel and a plurality of sidewall panels. The sidewall panels of the plurality of sidewall panels are for cooperating to at least partially form a sidewall extending downwardly from the top panel when the carrier is formed from the blank. The one or more articles are for being at least partially inserted into an interior of the carrier at least partially defined by the sidewall and the top panel when the carrier is formed from the blank. The blank comprises a container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge. The cutout extending in a sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels along at least a portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a lid of an article of the one or more articles when the carrier is formed from the blank. The retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel for engaging under a rim of the lid when the one or more articles are inserted into the interior of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of forming a package comprising a carrier at least partially holding one or more articles. The method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a top panel, a plurality of sidewall panels, and a container-receiving feature. The container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge. The cutout extending in a side wall panel of the plurality of side wall panels along at least a portion of the top panel and the retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel. The method comprising forming a sidewall by positioning the sidewall panels of the plurality of sidewall panels relative to one another so that the sidewall extends downwardly from the top panel and that the sidewall and the top panel at least partially define an interior of the carrier. The method comprising inserting the one or more articles at least partially into the interior of the carrier after the forming the sidewall so that the cutout at least partially receives a lid of an article of the one or more articles and so that the retention edge engages under a rim of the lid.

[0008] Other aspects, features, and details of the present disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. Further, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank used to form a carrier according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. [0011] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a pre-glued, folded construct formed from the blank of Fig. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a carrier formed from the pre-glued construct of Fig. 2 and/or from the blank of Fig. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the carrier of Fig. 3.

[0014] Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a package formed from the carrier of Fig. 3 and engaged with a plurality of containers according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present disclosure generally relates to various features for cartons, sleeves, wraps, and/or carriers that contain articles such as containers, jars, cans, bottles, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; glass; aluminum and/or other metals; and the like, or any combination thereof.

[0017] Cartons or carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes food and/or beverage containers (e.g., plastic food jars, such as for peanut butter and/or other suitable foods and/or beverages, beverage cans, glass and/or other bottles, food cans, etc.) as disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons. As described herein, constructs can be formed with multiple walls, panels, portions, tabs, flaps, fold lines, and/or other aspects, which may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 102 of a blank 103, used to form a carton or carrier 105 (Figs. 3-6) (e.g., a sleeve, wrap, etc.) according to embodiments of the disclosure. The carrier 105 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as containers C to form a package 107 (Figs. 6 and 7). In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C are peanut butter jars or other suitable containers, each having a top portion or lid L with a rim R. The carrier 105 can be sized to house two containers, but it is understood that the carrier 105 may be sized and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements or just a single article. In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C can be at least partially retained in a respective container-receiving feature 109, 111 at least partially defined in the blank 103.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 can include a central or top panel 120 foldably connected to a front clip panel 122 and a back clip panel 124 along a respective first longitudinal fold line 126 and second longitudinal fold line 128. In embodiments, the front clip panel 122 is foldably connected to a front panel 132 and the back clip panel 124 is foldably connected to a back panel 134 along respective bevels 136, 138 or other suitable folding features. In exemplary embodiments, each of the bevels 136, 138 can include two spaced longitudinal fold lines 139 and/or other suitable lines of weakening and/or other suitable areas of weakening. As shown in Fig. 1, the blank 103 further can include a first end panel 142 and a second end panel 144 foldably connected to respective ends of the front panel 132 along respective lateral fold lines 146, 148. In embodiments, a longitudinal central fold line 152 can extend in the top panel 120, at least partially defining a front top panel portion 120a and a back top panel portion 120b. Any of the top panel 120, the clip panels 122, 124, the front panel 132, the back panel 136, and/or the end panels 142, 144 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiments, the container-receiving features 109, 111 can be arranged in a single row, and each of the container-receiving features 109, 111 can be shaped and sized to at least partially receive at least the lid L of a respective one of the containers C. Each of the container-receiving portions 109, 111 can include a first/front retaining feature 154 and a second/back retaining feature 156, the first retaining features 154 extending in the front clip panel 122 along the top panel 120 and the second retaining feature 156 extending in the back clip panel 124 along the top panel 120. As shown in Fig. 1, the retaining features 154, 156 can include respective cutouts 158, 160, wherein the first/front cutouts 158 are at least partially defined by edges of the front clip panel 122 and the top panel 120 and the second/back cutouts 160 are at least partially defined by edges of the back clip panel 124 and the top panel 120. In embodiments, the cutouts 158, 160 can interrupt the respective longitudinal fold lines 126, 128. As shown in Fig. 1, each of the first retaining features 154 can include a respective first/front retention edge 162 extending along the front clip panel 122 along the respective first cutout 158 opposite to the top panel 120, and each of the second retaining features 156 can include a respective second/back retention edge 164 extending along the back clip panel 124 along the respective second cutout 160 opposite to the top panel 120. In embodiments, the retention edges 162, 164 can be curved (e.g., to be convex with respect to the respective cutouts 158, 160). In exemplary embodiments, the top panel 120 can include a curved edge 163, 165 extending along a respective cutout 158, 160 to at least partially define respective tabs 167, 169 in a respective top panel portion 120a, 120b. In one embodiment, the cutouts 158, 160 are shaped to extend partially into the top panel 120 with the cutouts 158 being in the clip panel 122 and the top panel portion 120a and the cutouts 160 being in the clip panel 124 and the top panel portion 120b. Any of the container-receiving features 109, 111, including the retaining features 154, 156, the cutouts 158, 160, the retention edges 162, 164, the curved edges 163, 165, and/or the tabs 167, 169 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0021] The blank 103 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier 105 can be formed by folding the blank 103 along the fold lines 152, 146, 148, 126, 128 as shown in Figs. 2-4. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the blank 103 can be folded to form a flattened construct or folded carrier 170 (e.g., the carton 105 in a pre-glued, collapsed configuration) by folding the blank 103 along the longitudinal fold line 152. In embodiments such as shown in Fig. 2, the top panel portions 120a, 120b can be in an overlapped relationship, the clip panels 122, 124 can be in an overlapped relationship, and the front panel 132 and the back panel 134 can be in an overlapped relationship in the folded blank 103. As shown in Fig. 2, the end panels 142, 144 can be folded along the lateral fold lines 146, 148 so that the end panels 142, 144 at least partially overlap opposing ends of the back panel 134. In embodiments, the end panels 142, 144 can be secured (e.g., adhered) to the back panel 134, such as by glue G, which can be applied to the interior surface of the end panels 142, 144 in glue strips shown in hidden lines in Fig. 1. The glue G can be applied by machine and/or by other suitable methods (e.g., manually). In the illustrated embodiments, a plurality of sidewall panels 122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144 (at least the clip panels 122, 124, the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the end panels 142, 144 glued to the back panel 134) can cooperate to form a sidewall 171 of the construct 170 and the carrier 105. Accordingly, in embodiments, the sidewall 171 can be a pre-glued and/or otherwise pre-formed sidewall 171 (e.g., a sidewall that is glued and/or otherwise formed prior to inserting the containers C into the carrier 105 to form the package 107). The cutouts 158, 160 can extend in the sidewall 171 and the top panel 120 as described herein. In exemplary embodiments, the flattened construct 170 can be stored and/or transported in bundles, stacks, etc. and can be kept in preparation for erecting the carrier 105 from the folded construct 170 and engaging the carrier 105 with the containers C. The flattened construct could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

[0023] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the carrier 105 can be formed from the folded construct 170 by folding along the fold lines 152, 146, 148, 126, 128 so that the front panel 132 and the back panel 134 are moved apart from one another with the end panels 142, 144 extending therebetween, the clip panels 122, 124 are moved apart into an opposing relationship, and the top panel 120 is positioned to extend along a top of the carrier 105 from the front clip panel 122 to the back clip panel 124. In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of panels, including the top panel 120, the clip panels 122, 124, the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the end panels 142, 144, can extend at least partially around an interior 172 of the carrier 105 with the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the end panels 142, 144 extending along an open bottom end edge 174 of the carrier 105. In embodiments, the side wall 171 can extend downwardly from the top panel 120 and the top panel 120 and the sidewall 171 can extend at least partially around the interior 172 of the carrier 105.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the clip panels 122, 124 can extend downwardly from the top panel 120 with the retaining features 154, 156 disposed opposite to one another in the respective container-receiving features 109, 111. In embodiments, the container-receiving features 109, 111 can be positioned for receiving respective lids L of respective containers C when the package 107 is formed. In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier 105 can include end openings 176 at opposite ends of the carrier 105. In embodiments, the end opening 176 can be at least partially defined by free edges extending along the top panel 120, the clip panels 122, 124, the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the respective end panel 142, 144. In embodiments, the carrier 105 (and the construct 170) can be pre-formed (e.g., pre-glued), wherein the carrier 105 is formed around the interior 172 prior to inserting the containers C into the carrier 105 to form the package 107, as described below. The carrier 105 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

|0025| As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the carrier 105 can be moved over a plurality of containers C (e.g., two containers C) and moved downwardly so that the lids L and the upper portions of the containers C move through the open bottom end edge 174 and into the interior 172 of the carrier 105. In embodiments, the carrier 105 can be moved downwardly and/or the containers C can be moved upwardly (e.g., the containers C and the carrier 105 can be moved relative to one another) until an interior surface of the top panel 120 engages and/or contacts a top surface of the lids L. In the illustrated embodiments, the lids L can be at least partially received in the opposing cutouts 158, 160 of the respective container-receiving features 109, 111, and the retention edges 162, 164 of the respective container-receiving features 109, 111 can engage under the rim R of the lids L. In exemplary embodiments, the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the clip panels 122, 124 can be pushed outwardly by the lids L as the containers C are moved into the interior 172 of the carrier 105, and the clip panels 122, 124 can snap under the lids L when portions of the lids L are received in the cutouts 158, 160 so that the retention edges 162, 164 are engaged under the rims R of the lids L (Figs. 5 and 6). Tn embodiments, the retaining features 154, 156 at least partially receive the lids L of the containers C through the cutouts 158, 160 and clip under the rim R of the containers C to help retain the containers C and the carrier 105 together in the package 107. The tabs 167, 169 in the top panel 120 at least partially cover the lids L of the containers C. In some embodiments, the curved edges 163, 165 of the tabs 167, 169 in the top panel 120 are generally aligned with a curved edge of the lids L of the containers C.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C can be held in the carrier 105 by the container-receiving features 109, 111, such as when the package 107 is picked up and/or forces pull downwardly on one or more of the containers C. For example, the engagement of the retention edges 162, 164 of the clip panels 122, 124 with the rims R of the containers C can resist and/or prevent the containers C from moving out of the interior 172 through the bottom end edge 174 of the carrier 105. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the front panel 132, the back panel 134, and the end panels 142, 144 can extend along and/or wrap around portions of respective sides S of the containers C (e.g., at least the panels 132, 134, 142, 144 can contact the sides S of the containers) to help retain the containers C in engagement with the carrier 105. In exemplary embodiments, the pre-glued construct 170 can be formed into the carrier 105 and applied to the containers C to form the package 107 without needing additional adhesive. In embodiments, the carrier 105 can be applied to the containers C by machinery and/or by hand. The package 107 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure. For example, the dimensions of the carrier 105 could be selected for accommodating containers of any suitable size (e.g., having a different volume and/or larger diameter).

[0027] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] In general, the blanks according to the present disclosure can be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blanks can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0029] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0030] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0031] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A carrier for at least partially holding one or more articles, the carrier comprising: a top panel and a plurality of sidewall panels extending downwardly from the top panel to form a sidewall, the top panel and the sidewall extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, wherein the one or more articles are for being at least partially inserted into the interior at least partially defined by the sidewall and the top panel; and a container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge, the cutout extending in the sidewall along at least a portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a lid of an article of the one or more articles, and the retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel for engaging under a rim of the lid when the one or more articles are inserted into the interior of the carrier at least partially formed by the sidewall and the top panel of the carrier.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the cutout is defined by a curved edge in the top panel opposite the retention edge.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the top panel has a tab defined by the curved edge, the tab at least partially covering the lid of the article.

4. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a front clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a back clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a front panel foldably connected to the front clip panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the back clip panel.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the container-receiving feature comprises a plurality of container-receiving features and the cutout is a front cutout in the front clip panel and the retention edge is a front retention edge in the front clip panel, the plurality of container-receiving features comprises a back cutout in the back clip panel and a back retention edge in the back clip panel.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the front cutout is defined by a first curved edge in the top panel opposite the front retention edge and the back cutout is defined by a second curved edge in the top panel opposite the back retention edge.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the top panel has a first tab defined by the first curved edge and a second tab defined by the second curved edge, the first tab and the second tab at least partially covering the lid of the article.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the front retention edge and the back retention edge engage under the rim of the lid of the on or more articles.

9. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the front clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a first fold line, the back clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a second fold line, the front cutout interrupts the first fold line, and the back cutout interrupts the second fold line.

10. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a first end panel and a second end panel foldably connected to the front panel, the first end panel and the second end panel are adhesively attached to the back panel.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the front panel, the back panel, the first end panel, and the second end panel having respective edges that form a bottom end edge of the carrier.

12. A blank for forming a carrier for at least partially holding one or more articles, the blank comprising: a top panel and a plurality of sidewall panels, wherein the sidewall panels of the plurality of sidewall panels are for cooperating to at least partially form a sidewall extending downwardly from the top panel when the carrier is formed from the blank, and wherein the one or more articles are for being at least partially inserted into an interior of the carrier at least partially defined by the sidewall and the top panel when the carrier is formed from the blank; and a container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge, the cutout extending in a sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels along at least a portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a lid of an article of the one or more articles when the carrier is formed from the blank, and the retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel for engaging under a rim of the lid when the one or more articles are inserted into the interior of the carrier formed from the blank.

13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the cutout is defined by a curved edge in the top panel opposite the retention edge.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the top panel has a tab defined by the curved edge, the tab being for at least partially covering the lid of the article in the carrier formed from the blank.

15. The blank of claim 12, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a front clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a back clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a front panel foldably connected to the front clip panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the back clip panel.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the container-receiving feature comprises a plurality of container-receiving features and the cutout is a front cutout in the front clip panel and the retention edge is a front retention edge in the front clip panel, the plurality of container-receiving features comprises a back cutout in the back clip panel and a back retention edge in the back clip panel.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the front cutout is defined by a first curved edge in the top panel opposite the front retention edge and the back cutout is defined by a second curved edge in the top panel opposite the back retention edge.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the top panel has a first tab defined by the first curved edge and a second tab defined by the second curved edge, the first tab and the second tab being for at least partially covering the lid of the article in the carrier formed from the blank.

19. The blank of claim 16, wherein the front clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a first fold line, the back clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a second fold line, the front cutout interrupts the first fold line, and the back cutout interrupts the second fold line.

20. The blank of claim 15, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a first end panel and a second end panel foldably connected to the front panel, the first end panel and the second end panel for being adhesively attached to the back panel in the carrier formed from the blank.

21 . The blank of claim 20, wherein the front panel, the back panel, the first end panel, and the second end panel having respective edges that form a bottom end edge of the carrier formed from the blank.

22. A method of forming a package comprising a carrier at least partially holding one or more articles, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a top panel, a plurality of sidewall panels, and a containerreceiving feature, the container-receiving feature comprising at least a cutout and a retention edge, the cutout extending in a sidewall panel of the plurality of sidewall panels along at least a portion of the top panel, and the retention edge extending along the cutout opposite to the top panel; forming a sidewall by positioning the sidewall panels of the plurality of sidewall panels relative to one another so that the sidewall extends downwardly from the top panel, and that the sidewall and the top panel at least partially define an interior of the carrier; and inserting the one or more articles at least partially into the interior of the carrier after the forming the sidewall so that the cutout at least partially receives a lid of an article of the one or more articles and so that the retention edge engages under a rim of the lid.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the cutout is defined by a curved edge in the top panel opposite the retention edge and the top panel has a tab defined by the curved edge, the tab at least partially covering the lid of the one or more articles.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a front clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a back clip panel foldably connected to the top panel, a front panel foldably connected to the front clip panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the back clip panel, the container-receiving feature comprises a plurality of container-receiving features and the cutout is a front cutout in the front clip panel and the retention edge is a front retention edge in the front clip panel, the plurality of container-receiving features comprises a back cutout in the back clip panel and a back retention edge in the back clip panel, the inserting the one or more articles comprises engaging the lid of the article with the front retention edge and the back retention edge.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the front cutout is defined by a first curved edge in the top panel opposite the front retention edge and the back cutout is defined by a second curved edge in the top panel opposite the back retention edge, the top panel has a first tab defined by the first curved edge and a second tab defined by the second curved edge, the inserting the one or more articles comprises at least partially covering the lid of the article with the first tab and the second tab.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the front clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a first fold line, the back clip panel is foldably connected to the top panel at a second fold line, the front cutout interrupts the first fold line, and the back cutout interrupts the second fold line.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of sidewall panels comprises a first end panel and a second end panel foldably connected to the front panel, the forming the sidewall comprises adhesively attaching the first end panel and the second end panel to the back panel.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the front panel, the back panel, the first end panel, and the second end panel having respective edges that form a bottom end edge of the carrier, the inserting the one or more articles comprises inserting the one or more articles through the bottom end edge into the interior of the carrier.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the inserting the one or more articles comprises moving the carrier downwardly over the one or more articles so that lid of the article of the one or more articles moves through the bottom end edge into the interior of the carrier.

30. The method of claim 22, further comprising folding the blank to form a flattened construct prior to the forming the sidewall.